NASCAR racing is an example of nerve-wrecking performance paired with intense speeds. It is arguably one of the best motorsports series when it comes to portrayal of “wheel-to-wheel” racing. NASCAR drivers race with no holds barred during the race and using many close maneuvers to get the best result possible out of any situation they are in.
They employ “drafting”, a phenomenon through which they trail the leading car making use of the lesser air resistance and gaining enough speeds to complete the overtake or simply conserve fuel. Bump drafting is a common sight in NASCAR cars and drivers drive bumper to bumper at the speeds which can terrify any sane human.
NASCAR vehicles are involved in many wrecks during the race. These wrecks end up in flippin the vehicles or smashing them head on into a barrier or another car more often than not. The driver needs to stay safe during the wreck to the maximum limits possible or it may result in his death in the worst scenario.
NASCAR generally keeps glass away from the tracks as it is a potential hazard. The broken glass can easily injure drivers or cause punctures in the super soft NASCAR slicks. It is one of the primary reasons why NASCAR vehicles don’t use headlights and replace them with stickers instead.
What type of material are windshields made of in NASCAR?
NASCAR windshields cannot be constructed out of glass. They are a hazard to the drivers, competitors and the cars themselves. NASCAR cars are involved in plenty of racing incidents throughout the event and in case of a small bump, the windshield may crack or shatter.
These reasons forbid NASCAR from taking a big risk with windshields. They use a special polycarbonate instead to make windshields. The NASCAR windshields are made out of Lexan. It is used to create the canopy of fighter aircrafts and bulletproof glass.
The windshields made out of Lexan are supported by rods on the sides connected to the roll cage for extra stability. Lexan windshields have a big advantage which make them preferable over traditional glass windshields.
Lexan windshields are extremely light and soft. Their softness helps them bounce off, dent or get scratched by any object hitting them instead of getting cracked. Lexan windshields have a lot of flexibility and they can bounce off any oncoming objects helping the rider continue his race instead of getting involved in an accident.
This windshield is prone to scratches however and the teams use adhesive layers on top of them to keep the windshield scratch free. NASCAR teams put several layers of this film which they remove as the race passes.
FAQ's On NASCAR windshields
A. No, NASCAR cars do not use glass windshields.
A. NASCAR cars are made out of carbon fiber and plastic coated fiberglass.
A. The official NASCAR windows film is 3M Window Film.
A. NASCAR windshields are made out of Lexan.
A. NASCAR stopped using glass windshields in 1997.
